Taiwan is demanding Beijing release a Taiwanese fishing vessel and its crew that were seized by Chinese coastguard officials near Kinmen Islands, sparking tensions between the two sides. The incident occurred as China has increased patrols around the islands following deadly fishing accidents. The Taiwanese boat was fishing for squid outside Taipei-controlled waters when it was boarded and seized by Chinese maritime administration boats. Taiwan is communicating with China to secure the release of the fishermen.
China, which considers Taiwan its own territory, has not commented on the situation. Taiwan’s coastguard attempted to rescue the fishing boat but was blocked by Chinese coast guard ships. The boat, carrying six crew members including Indonesian migrant workers, was taken to China’s Weitou port. Taiwan is urging China to explain why the boat was seized and to release the fishermen, highlighting previous cases where fishermen were released after paying fines.
The Taiwanese coastguard is increasing patrols and advising fishing boats to remain vigilant. Indonesia has pledged to assist the detained Indonesian crew members. This incident is not the first time Taiwanese fishing boats have been seized by Chinese authorities, as tensions between the two sides persist. Taiwan has also detained Chinese fishing boats in its waters this year. The situation highlights ongoing maritime disputes in the region and the need for increased security measures to prevent further incidents.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com